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On Juneteenth, this small business owner makes space for big conversations

Jun 19, 2023
"As a Black business owner, often I'm asked to share a little bit about my story, or my journey, or my background. And so I get to facilitate conversations around these things while making candles," said Colina Bruce of Noir Lux Candle Co.
Bruce says she's been invited to participate in a variety of local Juneteenth events.
Courtesy @kingnoir31

At least 20 states don't recognize Juneteenth as a legal holiday

Jun 19, 2023
The number of states that celebrate June 19th as a paid holiday is growing, but it could be years before it's a given in every state.
A Juneteenth celebration in Washington, D.C. Juneteenth is a federal holiday and recognized in most states. Many would like to see it officially honored everywhere.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images

Educating young minds about Juneteenth, one page at a time

Jun 19, 2023
A new book seeks to teach kids the complete history of Juneteenth and the values the holiday represents.
Entrepreneur Garrison Hayes created "A Kids Book About Juneteenth" to help youngsters learn the history of the holiday.
A Kids Co.

Slavery ended in the 1860s. Why hasn't the wealth gap closed for Black Americans?

Jun 20, 2022
Juneteenth commemorates Black Americans' emancipation from slavery, yet their economic emancipation continues.
Demonstrators marched Friday in Newark, New Jersey, to celebrate Juneteenth and demand reparations for Black Americans. Structural and legal barriers have limited Black people's opportunities to build wealth.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

“It’s about much more than checking a box”: How brands can genuinely commemorate Juneteenth

It’s not just about messaging, says Jeanine Poggi, editor of Ad Age. Are companies prioritizing diversity behind the scenes?
Demonstrators play in a cloud of washable color powder during a Juneteenth march and rally in Washington, DC, on June 19, 2020.
IM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

"Miss Juneteenth" tells the story of a Black woman trying to build a better economic future

Feb 8, 2021
Writer-director Channing Godfrey Peoples discusses her debut film and the economic realities it draws upon.
Turquoise (Nicole Beharie) with her daughter, Kai (Alexis Chikaeze), in "Miss Juneteenth."  Channing Godfrey Peoples' story was inspired by Black women in her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.
Vertical Entertainment

More companies offer a paid day off for Juneteenth

Jun 19, 2020
Some corporations made the move just days ago.
Marchers celebrating Juneteenth at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington on Friday.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Here's how companies are observing Juneteenth this year

Jun 19, 2020
Juneteenth dates back to 1865, and it is a celebration specifically of the end of slavery in Texas, which was one of the last holdouts.
This is not a new holiday. But with the conversation we’re having now about racial injustice and American history, companies are paying attention to it.
David Paul Morris/Getty Images